Isca Love - Peter Odiwuor & Victoria Chomeka

Bias has been a dorminant factor in all walks of life since era before and after The Industrial Revolution (1760-1928). Every one of us has some bias against our left hands and left feet, possibly prompted by superstitions and Judeo-Christian beliefs. Former FIFA boss Youssef Blatter had chronic bias against Arsenal and Chelsea FCs between 2003-2012; possibly cós the 2 teams had “too many” black African born players; Drogba, Kalou, Eboué, Kolo Toure, Njitap, Essien, Song e.tc. Man-U had no African players so it met the Blatter specifications; but I’ll shy away because freedom, many a times is never guaranteed after expression.

This digest brings 3 themes; Peter Odiwuor Angúdi, Bias and Victoria Chomeka. And the last part shares acknowledgment5 of a few personalities and their contributions.

Statistically, bias is calculated as;
Bias (ϴ) = {(Xlab – Xref)/Xref} x 100%

Where; Xlab = Practical result obtained from the lab: Xref = Standard reference;

Secondly, one of the reasons Peter Odiwuor Sanya left Jolly Boys to join B Kings was bias against his tender age in favour of the more seasoned bassists (Okidi and Ogega). No wonder he did wonders with his bass guitar once he moved past the bias.

Thirdly; and this is a home-grown serious problem! There has been a lot of bias by the Victoria B Kings fanatic supporters against the two main trophy contenders of the era 1984-1991 (The Jolly Boys/Omore Kings) and 1991-1995 (Victoria Chomeka).

On this note I single out two prominent contributors. I do celebrate Mr. Odero Aghan and Hon. Paul O Wa´Munga every day. The two citizens are not only staunch Benga music lovers but as well generous, smart and kind hearted sons of the soil. Despite their outstanding qualities, they still hold considerable bias against the two bands supra-mentioned. Their Facebook page says a bit of it!

Benga producers don’t boast of Quality Management tools and softwares like PCDA, FMEA, Six SIGMAs e.t.c. , therefore a lot of training, creativity, discipline and dedication is needed to deliver a song that stands the test of time.

Of course, if the artist/band lacks talent and any other of the 4 qualities, then the keyboard way sounds alternative like a few are doing already. The end result is definitely the inevitable death of talent based cultural memory.

A few reminders; Victoria Chomeka was the only band to risk the KANU regime wrath in early 1991, when Nyati House (torture chamber) was still running 24/365, to launch a multiparty advocating song, a few weeks before the donors’ pressure that revoked Section-2A of the Kenyan Constitution to allow direct elections and multiparty system.

So it was not “just another band with no name in Nairobi, which the Late Odongo Agwata was leading when Collela wanted him back at B Kings”. Give credit where it’s due!

Again, between 1992-1994, Victoria B Kings couldn’t release any albums, possibly due to Victoria Chomeka grip of the space, forcing Collela Mazee to relocate to Mombasa in search of rejuvenation.

A few factors brought Victoria Chomeka Phase 1(1991-1995) to an end namely;

Death of Opiyo Bw Emma who was a close friend to major Sponsorers (1994)
Death of Dr. George Ogenya Wema (Oruba Nursing Home) who was the chief sponsor (1994)
Ambush by the Mombasa based sponsorers of Collela Mazee, taking away Odongo Agwata, Owich Tony and Rich wuod Abandu, throwing the band into disintegration mode worsened by the deaths of Odiwuor and Omoya Sherry.

Had the above fate not befallen, History of Benga music could have earned an extensive hotter chapter.

While myself I’ve some bias, I cannot afford to feel any with regard to Victoria B Kings or any other Benga fraternity;, afterall, Victoria B Kings cemented their legacy in History that no known factor can erase. Besides , I'm huge fan of the B Kings.

Victoria Chomeka Phase 1 was part of the 1990s Kenya’s dream of some Freedom and MUST never be underrated or treated as “just another band”.
Recognitions;
George Ouma JOJO, thanks for your long-standing endeavour to enable this cultural heritage called Benga Music during glory and later keeping it off life support. You and Kanindo together with MakÁsembo, Zacchaeus Okoth Mapesa withered the storm and laid the foundations.

Odero Aghan and Hon. Paul O Wa´Munga; you rock! However, lower the anti Victoria Chomeka and Omore Kings bias to about: RSD = 0.05%.

Benbellah Okwatch, you’re part of the movement, big-up! Say high to Judith and Harry Kamau.

and Wilson Were ; you will never walk alone.

To Benga lovers, you exist and you matter. Najua Unga na Sukari imekuwa ghali sana lakini, tomorrow will be better. Buy some Victoria Chomeka songs and be happy.

The images highlight the 3 key founders of Victoria Chomeka Phase 1
; Odongo Agwata, Opiyo Bw Emma and Ndugu Rabby respectively.

Odiwuor Manyona okewgi Miruka wuon Olieko, fell in LOVE with this lady Isca. He who Finds love finds life!

Blessings!